Congressman Gets First-Hand Look at Importance of Reusable Healthcare Textiles

Posted July 15, 2022 at 11:49 am



U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH) recently visited Economy Linen and Towel Service in Zanesville, OH, to see first hand the importance that reusable healthcare textiles play in maintaining the safety of healthcare workers, patients and the public. Bruce Feldman, president of Economy Linen, greeted Balderson and briefed him on the fourth-generation business, which provides jobs for more than 100 people.

“Economy has been a part of the Zanesville community for over 40 years, providing healthcare facilities the cleanest and safest products for healthcare workers and patients,” Feldman (pictured far left in above image) said.

During the meeting, Feldman discussed the importance of healthcare facilities maintaining a continuous flow of reusable textiles. “Reusable textiles represent a more sustainable and secure supply chain; one reusable gown takes the place of 75 single-use options,” he said. “With reusables, nurses and other healthcare staff will not be wearing trash bags as PPE.”

After the company overview and policy discussion, Rep. Balderson (third from left in above image) was given a tour of the plant floor, meeting with team members, several of whom already know the representative by going to school with him or being friends with his family.

“I am excited to see members of Congress returning to visiting plants,” said Kevin Schwalb, TRSA’s vice president of government relations. “This is the best way to show the importance of the industry as well as the importance of reusable healthcare textiles.”

Contact Schwalb at kschwalb@trsa.org to organize a plant tour with your member of Congress. “Showing policymakers the operations of the linen, uniform and facility services industry shows why the industry is recognized as an essential business,” Schwalb added.

124